High-strength microwave antenna assemblies

ABSTRACT

Various high-strength microwave antenna assemblies are described herein. The microwave antenna has a radiating portion connected by a feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. The antenna is a dipole antenna with the distal end of the radiating portion being tapered and terminating at a tip to allow for direct insertion into tissue. Antenna rigidity comes from placing distal and proximal radiating portions in a pre-stressed state, assembling them via threaded or overlapping joints, or fixedly attaching an inner conductor to the distal portion. The inner conductor is affixed to the distal portion by, e.g., welding, brazing, soldering, or by adhesives. A junction member made from a hard dielectric material, e.g., ceramic, can be placed between the two portions and can have uniform or non-uniform shapes to accommodate varying antenna designs. Electrical chokes may also be used to contain returning currents to the distal end of the antenna.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to microwave antenna probes which may beused in tissue ablation applications. More particularly, the inventionrelates to microwave antennas which may be inserted directly into tissuefor diagnosis and treatment of diseases.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the treatment of diseases such as cancer, certain types of cancercells have been found to denature at elevated temperatures which areslightly lower than temperatures normally injurious to healthy cells.These types of treatments, known generally as hyperthermia therapy,typically utilize electromagnetic radiation to heat diseased cells totemperatures above 41° C. while maintaining adjacent healthy cells atlower temperatures where irreversible cell destruction will not occur.Other procedures utilizing electromagnetic radiation to heat tissue alsoinclude ablation and coagulation of the tissue. Such microwave ablationprocedures, e.g., such as those performed for menorrhagia, are typicallydone to ablate and coagulate the targeted tissue to denature or kill it.Many procedures and types of devices utilizing electromagnetic radiationtherapy are known in the art. Such microwave therapy is typically usedin the treatment of tissue and organs such as the prostate, heart, andliver.

One non-invasive procedure generally involves the treatment of tissue(e.g., a tumor) underlying the skin via the use of microwave energy. Themicrowave energy is able to non-invasively penetrate the skin to reachthe underlying tissue. However, this non-invasive procedure may resultin the unwanted heating of healthy tissue. Thus, the non-invasive use ofmicrowave energy requires a great deal of control. This is partly why amore direct and precise method of applying microwave radiation has beensought.

Presently, there are several types of microwave probes in use, e.g.,monopole, dipole, and helical. One type is a monopole antenna probe,which consists of a single, elongated microwave conductor exposed at theend of the probe. The probe is sometimes surrounded by a dielectricsleeve. The second type of microwave probe commonly used is a dipoleantenna, which consists of a coaxial construction having an innerconductor and an outer conductor with a dielectric separating a portionof the inner conductor and a portion of the outer conductor. In themonopole and dipole antenna probe, microwave energy generally radiatesperpendicularly from the axis of the conductor.

The typical microwave antenna has a long, thin inner conductor whichextends along the axis of the probe and is surrounded by a dielectricmaterial and is further surrounded by an outer conductor around thedielectric material such that the outer conductor also extends along theaxis of the probe. In another variation of the probe which provides foreffective outward radiation of energy or heating, a portion or portionsof the outer conductor can be selectively removed. This type ofconstruction is typically referred to as a “leaky waveguide” or “leakycoaxial” antenna. Another variation on the microwave probe involveshaving the tip formed in a uniform spiral pattern, such as a helix, toprovide the necessary configuration for effective radiation. Thisvariation can be used to direct energy in a particular direction, e.g.,perpendicular to the axis, in a forward direction (i.e., towards thedistal end of the antenna), or a combination thereof.

Invasive procedures and devices have been developed in which a microwaveantenna probe may be either inserted directly into a point of treatmentvia a normal body orifice or percutaneously inserted. Such invasiveprocedures and devices potentially provide better temperature control ofthe tissue being treated. Because of the small difference between thetemperature required for denaturing malignant cells and the temperatureinjurious to healthy cells, a known heating pattern and predictabletemperature control is important so that heating is confined to thetissue to be treated. For instance, hyperthermia treatment at thethreshold temperature of about 41.5° C. generally has little effect onmost malignant growths of cells. However, at slightly elevatedtemperatures above the approximate range of 43° C. to 45° C., thermaldamage to most types of normal cells is routinely observed; accordingly,great care must be taken not to exceed these temperatures in healthytissue.

However, many types of malignancies are difficult to reach and treatusing non-invasive techniques or by using invasive antenna probesdesigned to be inserted into a normal body orifice, i.e., a body openingwhich is easily accessible. These types of conventional probes may bemore flexible and may also avoid the need to separately sterilize theprobe; however, they are structurally weak and typically require the useof an introducer or catheter to gain access to within the body.Moreover, the addition of introducers and catheters necessarily increasethe diameter of the incision or access opening into the body therebymaking the use of such probes more invasive and further increasing theprobability of any complications that may arise.

Structurally stronger invasive probes exist and are typically long,narrow, needle-like antenna probes which may be inserted directly intothe body tissue to directly access a site of a tumor or othermalignancy. Such rigid probes generally have small diameters which aidnot only in ease of use but also reduce the resulting trauma to thepatient. A convenience of rigid antenna probes capable of directinsertion into tissue is that the probes may also allow for alternateadditional uses given different situations. However, such rigid,needle-like probes commonly experience difficulties in failing toprovide uniform patterns of radiated energy, they fail to provideuniform heating axially along and radially around an effective length ofthe probe; and it is difficult to otherwise control and direct theheating pattern when using such probes.

Accordingly, there remains a need for a microwave antenna probe whichovercomes the problems discussed above. There also exists a need for amicrowave antenna probe which is structurally robust enough for directinsertion into tissue without the need for additional introducers orcatheters and which produces a controllable and predictable heatingpattern.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A microwave antenna assembly which is structurally robust enough forunaided direct insertion into tissue is described herein. The microwaveantenna assembly is generally comprised of a radiating portion which maybe connected to a feedline (or shaft) which in turn may be connected bya cable to a power generating source such as a generator. The microwaveassembly may be a monopole microwave antenna assembly but is preferablya dipole assembly. The distal portion of the radiating portionpreferably has a tapered end which terminates at a tip to allow for thedirect insertion into tissue with minimal resistance. The proximalportion is located proximally of the distal portion, and a junctionmember is preferably located between both portions.

The adequate rigidity necessary for unaided direct insertion of theantenna assembly into tissue, e.g., percutaneously, preferably comes inpart by a variety of different methods. Some of the methods includeassembling the antenna under a pre-stressed condition prior to insertioninto tissue. This may be accomplished in part by forcing an innerconductor, which runs longitudinally through the assembly, into atensile condition by preferably affixing the inner conductor distal endto the distal radiating portion of the antenna assembly. Another methodincludes configuring the proximal and distal radiating portions of theantenna to mechanically fasten to each other. That is, the proximal anddistal radiating portions may be configured to “screw” into one anotherdirectly or to a junction member located between the two portions andwhich is threaded such that the portions each screw onto the junctionmember separately.

Another method includes attaching the proximal and distal radiatingportions together by creating overlapping or interfitting joints. Inthis variation, either the proximal or the distal radiating portion maybe configured to create an overlapping joint by interfitting with eachother through a variety of joints. For instance, the distal portion maybe configured to intimately fit within a receiving cavity or channel atthe distal end of the proximal portion. The two portions may also beconfigured to have a number of pins or conical members extending to jointhe two. Alternatively, the two portions may be frictionally interfittedby an interference fitted joint; or depressible/retractable projectionsmay be disposed on either portion to interfit with correspondingdepressions in the opposite portion.

To further aid in strengthening the antenna assemblies, a variety ofmethods may also be used for attaching the tip or distal portion. Forinstance, a variation may have a distal portion which may screw onto athreaded inner conductor or another variation may have an innerconductor having an anchoring element capable of holding the innerconductor within a splittable distal portion. Furthermore, amulti-sectioned distal portion may also be utilized for first attachingan inner conductor to the distal portion and then assembling the distalportion with additional variable sections. In many of the variationsdescribed herein, it may be preferable to have a dielectric materialapplied as a layer or coating between the two radiating portions.

Affixing the inner conductor within the distal radiating portion may beaccomplished in a variety of ways, for instance, welding, brazing,soldering, or through the use of adhesives. Forcing the inner conductorinto a tensile condition helps to force the outer diameter of theantenna into a compressive state. This bi-directional stress state inturn aids in rigidizing the antenna assembly.

To enable a compressive state to exist near the outer diameter, thejunction member between the distal and the proximal radiating portionsin some of the variations is preferably made from a sufficiently harddielectric material, e.g., ceramic materials. The hardness of thejunction member aids in transferring the compressive forces through theantenna assembly without buckling or kinking during antenna insertioninto tissue. Furthermore, materials such as ceramic generally havemechanical properties where fracturing or cracking in the material ismore likely to occur under tensile loading conditions. Accordingly,placing a junction under pre-stressed conditions, particularly ajunction made of ceramic, may aid in preventing mechanical failure ofthe junction if the antenna were to incur bending moments duringinsertion into tissue which could subject portions of the junction undertensile loads. The junction member may also be made into uniform ornon-uniform, e.g., stepped, shapes to accommodate varying antennaassembly designs.

Moreover, to improve the energy focus of an antenna assembly, anelectrical choke may also be used in any of the variations describedherein to contain returning currents to the distal end of the antennaassembly. Generally, the choke may be disposed on top of a dielectricmaterial on the antenna proximally of the radiating section. The chokeis preferably comprised of a conductive layer and may be further coveredby a tubing or coating to force the conductive layer to conform to theunderlying antenna.

Additionally, variations on the choke, the tubing or coating, anysealant layers, as well as other layers which may be disposed over theantenna assembly may be used. Certain layers, e.g., a heatshrink layerdisposed over the antenna assembly, may have wires or strands integratedwithin the layer to further strengthen the antenna assembly. Kevlarwires, for instances, may be integrally formed into the layer andoriented longitudinally with the antenna axis to provide additionalstrength.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a representative diagram of a variation of a microwaveantenna assembly.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show an end view and a cross-sectional view,respectively, of a conventional dipole microwave antenna assembly.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of a variation on apre-stressed antenna assembly.

FIG. 4 shows the assembled pre-stressed antenna assembly of FIG. 3 andthe directions of stress loads created within the assembly.

FIG. 5 shows another variation of pre-stressed antenna assembly having asharpened distal tip.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of another variation onpre-stressed antenna assembly having a non-uniform junction member.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of yet another variationon pre-stressed antenna assembly having an access channel defined alongthe side of the antenna.

FIG. 8 shows a pre-stressed monopole variation of a microwave antennaassembly.

FIG. 9A shows a side view of another variation on a pre-stressed antennaassembly having an electrical choke.

FIG. 9B shows a cross-sectional view of the assembly of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 shows a detailed view of a variation on the radiating portion ofFIG. 9B.

FIG. 11 shows a detailed view of a variation on the transition from theradiating portion to the electrical choke of FIG. 9B.

FIG. 12 shows a detailed view of a variation on the different layerswithin the electrical choke of FIG. 9B.

FIG. 13 shows a detailed view of a variation on the feedline of FIG. 9B.

FIG. 14 shows an isometric view of a sectioned antenna assembly having alayer, such as a heatshrink layer, formed with wires or strandslongitudinally orientated within the layer.

FIG. 15 shows an exploded cross-sectional side view of a variation ofthe microwave antenna assembly having a mechanically threaded interface.

FIG. 16 shows an exploded cross-sectional side view of another variationof the antenna assembly also having a mechanically threaded interface.

FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional side view of a crimped or overlappingvariation of the antenna assembly.

FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional side view of an antenna assembly wherethe proximal portion may be configured to receive and hold the distalportion in an overlapping joint.

FIG. 19 shows an exploded cross-sectional side view of a variation ofthe antenna assembly having an interfitting joint with an overlappingjunction member.

FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional side view of an antenna assembly withtwo variations on the distal portion joint for interfitting with theproximal portion.

FIGS. 21A and 21B show the corresponding end views of the proximalportion from FIG. 20 with two variations for interfitting with thedistal portions.

FIG. 22 shows an exploded cross-sectional side view of another variationwhere the antenna may be assembled using overlapping interference-fittedjoints.

FIG. 23 shows another variation in an exploded cross-sectional side viewof an antenna assembled via a junction member and multiple pins.

FIG. 24 shows an exploded cross-sectional side view of another variationin which the distal portion may have a plurality of projections whichinterfit with corresponding depressions within the proximal portion.

FIG. 25 shows another variation in which the projections and theircorresponding interfitting depressions may have corresponding accesschannels defined in the proximal portion through which the distalportion may be welded, soldered, brazed, or adhesively affixed to theproximal portion.

FIG. 26 shows a side view of a variation on attaching the distal portionto the inner conductor by a screw-on method.

FIG. 27 shows an isometric exploded view of another variation onattaching the distal portion by anchoring the inner conductor within asplittable distal portion.

FIG. 28 shows an exploded side view of a multi-sectioned distal portionvariation.

FIG. 29 shows a cross-sectioned side view of an alternative distalportion having an arcuate or curved sloping face to facilitate antennaassembly as well as entry into tissue.

FIG. 30 shows an assembled cross-sectional side view of a representativeantenna assembly having a constant diameter over the proximal and distalportions.

FIG. 31 shows the antenna of FIG. 30 but with the distal portion havinga diameter larger than the diameter of the proximal portion.

FIG. 32 shows the antenna of FIG. 30 but with the distal portion havinga diameter smaller than the diameter of the proximal portion.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In invasively treating diseased areas of tissue in a patient, trauma maybe caused to the patient resulting in pain and other complications.Various microwave antenna assemblies, as described herein, are lesstraumatic than devices currently available and as described in furtherdetail below, methods of manufacturing such devices are also described.Generally, an apparatus of the present invention allows for the directinsertion of a microwave antenna into tissue for the purposes ofdiagnosis and treatment of disease. FIG. 1 shows a representativediagram of a variation of a microwave antenna assembly 10 of the presentinvention. The antenna assembly 10 is generally comprised of radiatingportion 12 which may be connected by feedline 14 (or shaft) via cable 15to connector 16, which may further connect the assembly 10 to a powergenerating source 28, e.g., a generator. Assembly 10, as shown, is adipole microwave antenna assembly, but other antenna assemblies, e.g.,monopole or leaky wave antenna assemblies, may also utilize theprinciples set forth herein. Distal portion 20 of radiating portion 12preferably has a tapered end 24 which terminates at a tip 26 to allowfor insertion into tissue with minimal resistance. In those cases wherethe radiating portion 12 is inserted into a pre-existing opening, tip 26may be rounded or flat.

In some applications a microwave antenna requires adequate structuralstrength to prevent bending of the antenna, e.g., where the antenna isdirectly inserted into tissue, where the antenna undergoes bendingmoments after insertion, etc. Accordingly, there are variousconfigurations to increase the antenna strength without compromisingdesirable radiative properties and the manufacturability of such anantenna. One configuration involves placing the antenna assembly under acompressive load to stiffen the radiating portions. Anotherconfiguration involves mechanically fastening, e.g., in a screw-likemanner, the radiating portions together to provide a joint which willwithstand bending moments. A further configuration may also involvecreating overlapping joints between the radiating portions of theantenna assembly to provide a high-strength antenna. Furthermore,alternate configurations of attaching a distal tip or distal radiatingportion to an antenna may be utilized to further increase the antennastrength.

Antenna Assembly Via Compression

Generally, the antenna assembly 10 in FIG. 1 shows a variation where acompressive load may be used to increase antenna strength. Proximalportion 22 is located proximally of distal portion 20, and junctionmember 18 is preferably located between both portions such that acompressive force is applied by distal and proximal portions 20, 22 uponjunction member 18. Placing distal and proximal portions 20, 22 in apre-stressed condition prior to insertion into tissue enables assembly10 to maintain a stiffness that is sufficient to allow for unaidedinsertion into the tissue while maintaining a minimal antenna diameter,as described in detail below.

Feedline 14 may electrically connect antenna assembly 10 via cable 15 togenerator 28 and usually comprises a coaxial cable made of a conductivemetal which may be semi-rigid or flexible. Feedline 14 may also have avariable length from a proximal end of radiating portion 12 to a distalend of cable 15 ranging between about 1 to 10 inches. Most feedlines maybe constructed of copper, gold, or other conductive metals with similarconductivity values, but feedline 14 is preferably made of stainlesssteel. The metals may also be plated with other materials, e.g., otherconductive materials, to improve their properties, e.g., to improveconductivity or decrease energy loss, etc. A feedline 14, such as onemade of stainless steel, preferably has an impedance of about 50 Ω andto improve its conductivity, the stainless steel may be coated with alayer of a conductive material such as copper or gold. Althoughstainless steel may not offer the same conductivity as other metals, itdoes offer strength required to puncture tissue and/or skin.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show an end view and a cross-sectional view,respectively, of a conventional dipole microwave antenna assembly 30. Asseen, antenna assembly 30 has a proximal end 32 which may be connectedto a feedline 14, as further discussed herein, and terminates at distalend 34. The radiating portion of antenna 30 comprises proximal radiatingportion 36 and distal radiating portion 38. Proximal radiating portion36 may typically have an outer conductor 42 and an inner conductor 44,each of which extends along a longitudinal axis. Between the outer andinner conductors 42, 44 is typically a dielectric material 46 which isalso disposed longitudinally between the conductors 42, 44 toelectrically separate them. A dielectric material may constitute anynumber of appropriate materials, including air. Distal portion 48 isalso made from a conductive material, as discussed below. Proximal anddistal radiating portions 36, 38 align at junction 40, which istypically made of a dielectric material, e.g., adhesives, and are alsosupported by inner conductor 44 which runs through junction opening 50and at least partially through distal portion 48. However, as discussedabove, the construction of conventional antenna assembly 30 isstructurally weak at junction 40.

In operation, microwave energy having a wavelength, λ, is transmittedthrough antenna assembly 30 along both proximal and distal radiatingportions 36, 38. This energy is then radiated into the surroundingmedium, e.g., tissue. The length of the antenna for efficient radiationmay be dependent at least on the effective wavelength, λ_(eff), which isdependent upon the dielectric properties of the medium being radiatedinto. Energy from the antenna assembly 30 radiates and the surroundingmedium is subsequently heated. An antenna assembly 30 through whichmicrowave energy is transmitted at a wavelength, λ, may have differingeffective wavelengths, λ_(eff), depending upon the surrounding medium,e.g., liver tissue, as opposed to, e.g., breast tissue. Also affectingthe effective wavelength, λ_(eff), are coatings which may be disposedover antenna assembly 30, as discussed further below.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of a variation onpre-stressed antenna assembly 60 made at least in part according to thepresent invention. In making antenna assembly 60, junction member 62 maybe placed about inner conductor 44 through junction opening 64. Distalportion 48 may be placed over inner conductor 44 and then compressedsuch that junction member 62 is placed under a compressive loadgenerated between proximal radiating portion 36 and distal radiatingportion 38 to create pre-stressed antenna assembly 70, as shown in FIG.4. Antenna assembly 70 may have an overall length of about 1.42 inchesand an outer diameter of about 0.091 inches. The pre-stressed loadingcondition on antenna assembly 70 preferably exists when assembly 70 isunder a state of zero external stress, that is, when assembly 70 is notacted upon by any external forces, e.g., contact with tissue, externalbending moments, etc.

The compression load is preferably first created by feeding distalportion 48 over inner conductor 44 until junction member 62 is undercompression, then inner conductor 44 is preferably affixed to distalportion 48 to maintain the compression load on junction member 62. Someclearance may be necessary between junction member 62 and innerconductor 44 to avoid any interference resistance between the two. Innerconductor 44 may be affixed to distal portion 48 along interface 72 by avariety of methods, such as welding, brazing, soldering, or by use ofadhesives. The compression loading occurs such that while innerconductor 44 is placed under tension along direction 76, distal portion48 places the outer portions of junction member 62 under compressionalong directions 74. Inner conductor 44 may be heated prior to affixingit to distal portion 48 by any number of methods because heating innerconductor 44 may expand the conductor in a longitudinal direction(depending upon the coefficient of thermal expansion of the innerconductor 44).

For example, heating inner conductor 44 may be accomplished during thewelding or soldering procedure. Upon cooling, inner conductor 44 maycontract accordingly and impart a tensile force upon the conductor 44while simultaneously pulling junction member 62 into compression. Toallow the compression loading to transfer efficiently through assembly70, junction member 62 is preferably made of a dielectric material whichhas a sufficiently high compressive strength and high elastic modulus,i.e., resistant to elastic or plastic deformation under a compressionload. Therefore, junction member 62 is preferably made from materialssuch as ceramics, e.g., Al₂O₃, Boron Nitride, stabilized Zirconia, etc.Alternatively, a junction member 62 made of a metal and sufficientlycoated with a dielectric or polymer may be used, provided the dielectriccoating is sufficiently thick to provide adequate insulation. To preventenergy from conducting directly into the tissue during use, a dielectriclayer having a thickness between about 0.0001 to 0.003 inches, may becoated directly over antenna assembly 70. The dielectric coating mayincrease the radiated energy and is preferably made from a ceramicmaterial, such as Al₂O₃, TiO₂, etc., and may also be optionally furthercoated with a lubricious material such as Teflon,polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP),etc. In addition to the dielectric coating, a sealant layer may also becoated either directly over the antenna assembly 70, or preferably overthe dielectric layer to provide a lubricious surface for facilitatinginsertion into a patient as well as to prevent tissue from sticking tothe antenna assembly 70. The sealant layer may be any variety ofpolymer, but is preferably a thermoplastic polymer and may have athickness varying from a few angstroms to as thick as necessary for theapplication at hand. Varying these coating thicknesses over antennaassembly 70 may vary the effective wavelengths, λ_(eff), of theradiation being transmitted by the antenna. Thus, one may vary thecoating thicknesses over the assembly 70 to achieve a predeterminedeffective wavelength depending upon the desired results.

FIG. 5 shows another variation of pre-stressed antenna assembly 80. Thisvariation also has proximal radiating portion 82 attached to distalradiating portion 84 with junction member 86 therebetween under acompression load, as described above. Proximal radiating portion 82 mayhave outer conductor 88 and inner conductor 92 extending longitudinallywith dielectric material 90 disposed in-between conductors 88, 92.However, this variation shows distal end 94 having distal radiatingportion 84 with tapered end 96 terminating at tip 98, which ispreferably sharpened to allow for easy insertion into tissue. Apreferable method of optimizing the amount of radiated energy fromassembly 80 may include adjusting the length of proximal radiatingportion 82 to correspond to a length of λ/4 of the radiation beingtransmitted through assembly 80, and likewise adjusting a cumulative (oroverall) length of distal radiating portion 84 and junction 86 to alsocorrespond to a length of λ/4. Adjusting the lengths of proximal anddistal radiating portions 82, 84 to correspond to the wavelength of thetransmitted microwaves may be done to optimize the amount of radiatedenergy and accordingly, the amount of the medium or tissue which issubsequently heated. The actual lengths of proximal and distal radiatingportions 82, 84 may, of course, vary and is not constrained to meet aλ/4 length. When antenna assembly 80 is radiating energy, the ablationfield is variable 3-dimensionally and may be roughly spherical orellipsoid and centers on junction 86 and extends to the ends of theproximal and distal radiating portions 82, 84, respectively.

The location of tip 98 may be proportional to a distance of λ/4 of theradiation being transmitted through assembly 80, but because tip 98terminates at tapered end 96, the angled surface of taper 96 may betaken into account. Thus, the total distance along the outer surfaces ofassembly 80 from B to C plus the distance from C to D may accord to thedistance of λ/4. The length of proximal radiating portion 82, i.e., thedistance along the outer surface of assembly 80 from A to B, may alsoaccord to the distance of λ/4, as above. Although it is preferable tohave the length of the radiating portion of the antenna accord with adistance of the wavelength, λ, it is not necessary for operation of thedevice, as described above. That is, an antenna assembly having aradiating portion with a length in accordance with a first wavelengthmay generally still be used for transmitting radiation having a secondwavelength, or third wavelength, or so on, although with a possiblereduction in efficiency.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of another variation onpre-stressed antenna assembly 100. Assembly 100 shows a variation ofjunction member 102 which has a radial thickness which is non-uniformabout a longitudinal axis as defined by junction member 102. Theproximal portion is comprised of outer conductor 110, inner conductor112, dielectric material 114, as above. However, junction 102 is shownin this variation as a stepped member having at least two differentradiuses. In other variations, the junction may be curved or havemultiple steps. Central radius 104 of junction member 102 is shown ashaving a diameter similar to that of outer conductor 110 and distalportion 120. Stepped radius 106, which is preferably smaller thancentral radius 104, may be symmetrically disposed both proximally anddistally of central radius 104. To accommodate stepped junction member102 during the assembly of antenna 100, receiving cavity 116 may be madein dielectric material 114 and receiving cavity 118 may be made indistal portion 120 to allow for the interfitting of the respectiveparts. Such a stepped design may allow for the compression load to beconcentrated longitudinally upon the central radius 104 of junctionmember 102 to allow for the efficient transfer of the load along theproximal portion.

In addition to stepped junction member 102, FIG. 6 also shows channel122 extending longitudinally from distal tip 124 to receiving cavity118. Once inner conductor 112 may be placed through junction opening 108and into distal portion 120, either partially or entirely therethrough,channel 122 may allow for access to inner conductor 112 for the purposeof affixing it to distal portion 120. Affixing inner conductor 112 maybe done to place it under tension by any of the methods as describedabove, such as welding or soldering.

However, having channel 122 extend from the distal tip 124 to innerconductor 112 may limit the sharpness of tip 124. Accordingly, variation130 in FIG. 7 shows an alternate distal end 132 which defines channel138 for receiving inner conductor 92 but which also defines accesschannel 140 extending from a side surface of distal end 132 to channel138. Access channel 140 allows for access to inner conductor 92 to affixit to distal end 132 while allowing for tapered end 134 to terminate atsharpened tip 136. Although a single channel is shown in this variation,multiple channels may be incorporated into the design at variouslocations.

While most of the variations described above are related to dipoleantenna assemblies, FIG. 8 shows monopole antenna assembly 150 made atleast in part according to the present invention. As shown, there may bea single radiating portion 152 which preferably has a lengthcorresponding to a length of λ/2, rather than λ/4, of the radiationbeing transmitted through assembly 150. As above, monopole assembly 150may apply a compressive load upon junction member 154 between radiatingportion 152 and proximal end 156. The principles of having an antennalength correspond to a length of λ/2 or λ/4, as well as having tapereddistal ends or tips on the distal portion, may be utilized not only withantennas assembled using compression methods, but these principles maybe used with any of the variations described herein.

To improve the energy focus of an antenna assembly, an electrical chokemay also be used to contain returning currents to the distal end of theantenna. Generally, the choke may be disposed on the antenna proximallyof the radiating section. The choke is preferably placed over adielectric material which may be disposed over the antenna The choke ispreferably a conductive layer and may be further covered by a tubing orcoating to force the conductive layer to conform to the underlyingantenna, thereby forcing an electrical connection (or short) moredistally and closer to the radiating section. The electrical connectionbetween the choke and the underlying antenna may also be achieved byother connection methods such as soldering, welding, brazing, crimping,use of conductive adhesives, etc. The following description is directedtowards the use of a choke on a compression antenna variation forillustration purposes only; however, the choke may also be used with anyof the antenna variations described below.

FIG. 9A shows a side view of a variation on pre-stressed antennaassembly 160 with an electrical choke and FIG. 9B shows cross-sectionedside view 9B-9B from FIG. 9A. Similar to the antenna assemblies above,assembly 160 shows radiating portion 162 electrically attached viafeedline (or shaft) 164 to a proximally located coupler 166. Detail 174of radiating portion 162 and detail 180 of feedline 164 are described infurther detail below. Radiating portion 162 is shown with sealant layer168 coated over section 162. Electrical choke 172 is shown partiallydisposed over a distal section of feedline 164 to form electrical chokeportion 170, which is preferably located proximally of radiating portion162. Details 176, 178 of choke portion 170 are described in furtherdetail below.

FIG. 10 shows detailed view 174 from FIG. 9B of a variation on apre-stressed antenna section. As seen, distal radiating portion 190 andproximal radiating portion 192 are located in their respective positionsabout junction member 194, which in this variation is shown as a steppedmember. Proximal radiating portion 192 is further shown having outerconductor 196 preferably disposed concentrically about inner conductor198 with dielectric 200 placed inbetween outer and inner conductors 196,198 for insulation. Inner conductor 198 may be fed through junctionmember 194 and into distal radiating portion 190 to be affixed by weldor solder 202 to distal radiating portion 190 via access channel 204,which is shown to extend from a distal end of inner conductor 198 to anouter surface of portion 190. As described above, inner conductor 198may be heated to longitudinally expand it prior to affixing it to distalportion 190. As inner conductor 198 cools, a tensile force is impartedin inner conductor 198 which draws the distal and proximal portions 190,192 together longitudinally. In turn, this imparts a compressive forceupon the radial portions of junction member 194, preferably at thejunction-to-distal portion interface 206. Optionally, dielectric layer208, which may be a ceramic material such as Al₂O₃, may be coated overthe radiating antenna portion. Moreover, a lubricious layer such asTeflon, may also be coated over the antenna portion as well along withdielectric layer 208. A further sealant layer 210 may optionally becoated over dielectric layer 208 as well. Sealant layer 210 may be madefrom a variety of thermoplastic polymers, e.g., heat shrink polymers,such as polyethylene (PE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET),polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP),perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), chlorotrifluoroethylene (CTFE), ethylenechlortrifluoroethylene (ECTFE), and ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE).The description is directed towards the use of dielectric and sealantlayers on a compression antenna variation for illustration purposesonly; however, the uses of dielectric and sealant layers may also beused with any of the antenna variations described below.

FIG. 11 shows detailed view 176 from FIG. 9B of a variation on thetransition to electrical choke portion 170. Electrical choke 172 may bedisposed proximally of sealant layer 210 or proximal radiating portion192. Although shown with a gap between choke 172 and sealant layer 210in this variation, the two may touch or overlap slightly. FIG. 12 showsa more detailed view 178 of the various layers which may compriseelectrical choke 172. In this variation, a first inner dielectric layer220 may be disposed over the antenna assembly. The first innerdielectric layer 220 may be made from any of the various thermoplasticpolymers, ceramics, or other coatings, as described above. A secondinner dielectric layer 222 may optionally be disposed over first innerdielectric layer 220 and may be made from the same or similar materialas first inner dielectric layer 220. Conductive layer 224 may then bedisposed over the dielectric layers. Conductive layer 224 is preferablya conductive coating, a conductive foil material, e.g., copper foil, ora metal tubing and electrically contacts outer conductor 196 at somelocation along choke 172 proximally of radiating portion 162.

Variation 160 illustrates electrical contact between conductive layer224 and outer conductor 196 in detail 178 occurring at the proximallocation of electrical choke portion 170, but choke 172 may be formedwithout forcing contact between outer conductor 196 with layer 224provided the length of choke 172 is chosen appropriately. For instance,choke 172 having a sufficiently long length, e.g., a length of λ/2, maybe used without having to force contact between the layers. Outerdielectric layer 226 may be disposed upon conductive layer 224. Outerdielectric layer 226 may also be made of any of the various polymers asdescribed above and is preferably a heat shrinkable layer that may forceconductive layer 224 to conform more closely to the underlying layers tonot only force a better electrical connection, but also to reduce theoverall diameter of the antenna section. FIG. 13 shows detailed view 180from FIG. 9B of a variation on the feedline. As shown, feedline 164 maybe a simple coaxial cable where outer conductor 196, inner conductor198, and dielectric 200 extend throughout the feedline. Outer dielectriclayer 226 may also extend down over feedline 164 and even over theentire antenna assembly.

Further steps may optionally be taken to further increase the strengthof an antenna assembly by altering any of the layers, such as sealantlayer 210 or any of the other heatshrink layers discussed above. FIG. 14shows one example of antenna section 230 where wires or strands 236 maybe formed within or on the layers 232 to add strength. The wires 236 maybe formed within the layer 232 and are preferably orientatedlongitudinally along the length of antenna section 230 such that thebending strength of the antenna is increased. The layers 232 may beformed over outer conductor 234, as described above, and wire 236 may bemade of any high-strength material, e.g., Kevlar, metals, etc. Metalwires may be used provided they are well insulated by layers 232.

Antenna Assembly Via Mechanical Fastening

Aside from using a compressive load to increase antenna strength, asdescribed above, alternative methods may be employed for increasingantenna strength to withstand direct insertion into tissue. Analternative variation may include assembling an antenna using mechanicalfastening methods. FIG. 15, for example, shows a cross-sectionedvariation of a mechanically threaded interface or “screw-on” variation240 as an exploded assembly. As seen, proximal portion 242 may beconnected to distal portion 244 by using a junction member 246 havingfirst and second junction mating sections 252, 254, respectively.

Junction member 246 is preferably comprised of any of the dielectricmaterials as described above. Alternatively, a dielectric coating orlayer may also be applied to the inside of channels 248, 260 whichcontacts junction member 246. First and second mating sections 252, 254may be threaded 256, 258, respectively, such that the thread pitch oneach section 252, 254 is opposed to each other, i.e., the pitch angle ofthreading 256 may be opposite to the pitch angle of threading 258.Alternatively, the thread pitch on each section 252, 254 may beconfigured to be angled similarly for ease of antenna assembly. Proximalportion 242 may have a receiving cavity or channel 248 which is threaded250 at a predetermined pitch to correspond to the pitch and angle of thethreading 256 on first mating section 252. Likewise, distal portion 244may have a receiving cavity or channel 260 which is threaded 262 at apredetermined pitch to correspond to the pitch and angle of thethreading 258 on second mating section 254. Having opposed pitch anglesmay be done to ensure a secure fit or joint when variation 240 isassembled by screwing proximal portion 242 and distal portion 244together onto junction member 246.

A further screw-on variation 270 is shown in FIG. 16. Here, proximalportion 272 may have a proximal mating section 274 which is threaded 276at a predetermined pitch and angle to correspondingly screw into distalportion 282 via threaded receiving channel 278. Channel 278 preferablyhas threading 280 which matches threading 276 on mating section 274 toensure a tight fit and a secure joint. Although variation 270 shows amating section 274 on proximal portion 272 and receiving channel 278 indistal portion 282, a mating section may instead be located on distalportion 282 for insertion into a corresponding receiving channel locatedin proximal portion 272. Preferably, a dielectric coating or layer 284is applied either to the inside of channel 278 or on the outer surfaceof mating section 274 as shown (or upon both) to prevent contact betweenproximal and distal portions 272, 282, respectively.

Antenna Assembly Via Overlap

Another variation on assembling an antenna is by use of overlapping orinterfitting joints to attach proximal and distal portions together.FIG. 17 shows a crimped or overlapping variation 290. Proximal portion292 is preferably attached to distal tip or portion 294 by innerconductor 302 and by having a distal end section of the proximal portion292 crimped and portion 294 maintained in position via a molded material300, which is also preferably dielectric such as a biocompatiblethermoset plastic or polymer (including any of the dielectric materialsdiscussed herein). The distal end section, i.e., crimped dielectric 296and crimped outer conductor 298, is preferably crimped or tapered in areduced diameter towards the distal end while a portion of dielectric296 near crimped outer conductor 298 may be partially removed to allowfor material 300 to be formed within, as shown in the figure. While theinner conductor 302 is held between proximal and distal portions 292,294, respectively, the moldable material 300 may be injection moldedwithin a die or preform holding the assembly to form a unitary structurewith both portions 292, 294. Material 300 may also be shaped intovarious forms depending upon the desired application, such as a taperingdistal end, as shown in the FIG. 17.

FIG. 18 shows another variation 310 where proximal portion 312 ispreferably configured to receive and hold distal portion 314. Proximalportion 312 may have a distal section of dielectric material 316 removedpartially to create a receiving channel 318 within portion 312. Distalportion 314 may be snugly placed within this channel 318 such thatportion 314 is partially within and partially out of dielectric material316, as shown. A layer 320 of the dielectric material 316 may be leftbetween outer conductor 322 and distal portion 314 to form an insulativebarrier between the two. Alternatively, dielectric layer 320 may beformed of a different material than dielectric 316. To further aid inantenna 310 insertion into tissue, the distal end of distal portion 314,as well as the distal end of outer conductor 322, may be tapered tofacilitate insertion. The overlapping segment between proximal anddistal portions 312, 314, respectively, may be varied depending upon thedesired bending resistance and desired strength of antenna 310.

FIG. 19 shows a further variation 330 of an overlapping joint forassembling the antenna. Proximal portion 332 preferably has a matingchannel 340 in the distal end of the portion 332 for receiving matingsection 338 of distal portion 334. This variation 330 preferably has anoverlapping junction member 336 which may be slipped over mating section338 prior to insertion into channel 340. Overlapping junction member 336is preferably a dielectric material and fits snugly between proximalportion 332 and mating section 338 to form an overlapping joint when theinner conductor is attached to distal portion 334, as described above.

FIG. 20 shows an antenna variation where different methods ofoverlapping attachments may be utilized. Distal portion 350 is shownhaving a cylindrical interfitting member 358. The portion 350 may beinserted via member 358 into a corresponding receiving channel 356preferably defined in the outer conductor of proximal portion 354. Anend view of proximal portion 354 in FIG. 21A shows channel 356 in thisvariation for receiving a cylindrically shaped member 358.

Another variation is shown in distal portion 352 where rather thanhaving a conical interfitting member, separate pins or dowels 360 may beused to extend into receiving channels 356′ of proximal portion 354′.These pins 360 may be integral with distal portion 352 or they may beseparate members inserted and held in distal portion 352; in eithercase, pins 360 are preferably made of a hard dielectric material or ametal sufficiently coated with a dielectric material for insulation. Asseen in FIG. 21B, which is an end view of proximal portion 354′,channels 356′ are shown located every 90° about portion 354′. Althoughfour pins are used in this variation, any number of pins may be usedranging from two to several depending upon the desired strength of theantenna assembly. To support such a plurality of pins, it may bedesirable to have proximal portions 354, 354′ with an outer conductorhaving a thickness ranging from 0.005 to 0.010 inches.

FIG. 22 shows an antenna assembly with an overlappinginterference-fitted variation 370. As seen, proximal portion 372 may beattached to distal portion 374 by a junction member 376 which ispreferably interference-fitted i.e., frictionally-fitted, between bothportions 372, 374. The junction member 376 may have a first and a secondsection 382, 384, respectively, which preferably has a diameter D₂.Receiving channel 378 in proximal portion 372 preferably has a diameterD₁ and receiving channel 380 in distal portion 374 also has a diameterD₁ or some diameter less than D₂. Accordingly, diameter D₁ is some valueless than D₂ such that an interference fit is created between junction376 and portions 372 and 374. Accordingly, distal portion 374 isfrictionally held to proximal portion 372.

FIG. 23 shows another interfitting variation 390 utilizing a junctionmember 396 which is preferably held between proximal portion 392 anddistal portion 394 by multiple pins 398, 402 which may be received inchannels 400, 404, respectively. Accordingly, as discussed above, anynumber of pins 398 extending from proximal portion 392 may be insertedinto corresponding channels 400, and any number of pins 402 extendingfrom distal portion 394 may likewise be inserted into correspondingchannels 404.

FIG. 24 shows an overlapping and interfitting variation 410 whereproximal portion 412 has receiving channel 416 for receiving distalportion 414. Within channel 416, there may be a plurality of depressions418 defined in the surface of the outer conductor. These depressions 418are preferably shaped to have a locking configuration, such as a righttriangle shape, when projections 420, which are located radially ondistal portion 414, are inserted into and mated to depressions 418.Projections 420 are preferably protrusions which extend from a surfaceof distal portion 414 and are preferably radially disposed on the outersurface. Also, any number of projections 420, e.g., at least two toseveral, may be utilized but are preferably equally radially spaced fromone another depending upon the desired strength of the overlappingjoint. To facilitate insertion of distal portion 414 into channel 416,projections 420 may be disposed on the ends of a number of correspondingsupport members 422 flexibly attached to distal portion 414. Supportmembers 422 would allow projections 420 to be retracted at leastpartially into the outer surface of distal portion 414 during insertion,and when distal portion 414 is fully inserted into channel 416,projections 420 may then be allowed to expand into and intimately matewith the depressions 418 such that distal portion 414 is held fixedrelative to proximal portion 412. A dielectric material may be coated orsprayed within channel 416 or on distal portion 414 to insulate betweenthe two portions 412, 414.

FIG. 25 shows a further variation 430 of that shown in FIG. 24. Proximalportion 432 may be attached to distal portion 434 by an overlappingjoint where mating section 438 on distal portion 434 may be insertedinto receiving channel 436. Once inserted, distal portion 434 may beheld to proximal portion 432 by projections 442 intimately mating withincorresponding depressions 444. Distal portion 434 may be made entirelyof a dielectric material; alternatively, mating section 438 may be madeat least partly of a dielectric while the remainder of distal portion434 may be metallic. To further ensure a strong joint, depressions 444may have a number of access channels 440 preferably extending radiallyfrom depressions 444 defined in the surface of channel 436 to an outersurface of proximal portion 432. Access channels 440 may be used toprovide access to projections 442 (once mated within depressions 444)for further fixation to proximal portion 432 by welding, soldering,brazing, or by applying adhesives.

Alternate Methods of Tin or Distal Portion Attachment

Aside from various methods of assembling microwave antennas, there arealso a variety of methods for attaching the tip or distal radiatingportion to a remainder of the assembly. The various methods describedbelow may be used in any of the assembly variations discussed hereindepending upon the desired antenna assembly characteristics.

FIG. 26 shows a partial assembly of a microwave antenna having a distalportion 454 which may be screwed onto the proximal portion 452 via theinner conductor 456. The distal end portion of inner conductor 456 ispreferably threaded 458 on an outer surface. Correspondingly, thereceiving channel 460 within distal portion 454 is likewise threaded toreceive the threaded portion 458 of inner conductor 456. Duringassembly, distal portion 454 may be screwed onto proximal portion 452 byinner conductor 458. Accordingly, the force with which the proximal anddistal portions 452, 454 are held together may be varied by the amountand degree distal portion 454 is screwed or advanced onto innerconductor 456, thereby allowing the rigidity or strength of the antennato be varied according to a desired use or application. In thisvariation, distal portion 454 may be made of a non-metallic material,e.g., a polymer, and attached directly to proximal portion 452;alternatively, distal portion 454 may also be made of a metallicmaterial and used in conjunction with a dielectric junction member, asdescribed above.

FIG. 27 shows another variation for assembling a distal portion in anisometric exploded view of splittable distal portion 470. The distalportion 470 may be comprised of a splittable distal portion having afirst half 472 and a second half 474. Although shown split into twohalves 472, 474, distal portion 470 may be split into numerous portions,e.g., three or more. Within the adjoining surfaces, anchoring channel476 may be defined to receive inner conductor 480 and may have a portionof channel 476 configured or enlarged to receive an anchoring element482 for holding the inner conductor 480 distal end within distal portion470. Inner conductor 480 preferably has an anchoring element 482 formedon a distal end of inner conductor 480 by rounding or flattening thedistal end into anchoring element 482 or attaching a separate anchoringmechanism onto the distal end. Once inner conductor 480 and anchoringelement 482 are positioned within anchoring channel 476, both halves472, 474 may be attached together, thereby fixedly holding anchoringelement 482 therewithin. When distal portion halves 472, 474 areattached to one another, they may be aligned and positioned relative toeach other by a number of alignment projections 478 on one or bothhalves 472, 474 and the halves may then be held to one another by anynumber of methods, e.g., welding, brazing, soldering, adhesives,snap-fits, etc.

Another variation for attaching the distal portion is shown in FIG. 28,which is an exploded side view of multi-sectioned portion 490. Thedistal portion may be comprised of multiple sections which may beinterfitted to form the distal portion. Thus, while proximal portion 492and junction member 494 (which may or may not be used in this variation)are assembled as in some of the other variations, the distal portion mayhave a first section 496 through which inner conductor 506 may be passedthrough via access channel 502. Once the distal tip of inner conductor506 is passed through junction member 494 and access channel 502, it maythen be attached to first section 496 at the end of access channel 502by any of the attachment methods described above. First section 496 maythen be assembled with second section 498 by interfitting mating section500 into receiving channel 504. The use of a multi-sectioned portionsuch as that shown in portion 490 may enable one to first attach theproximal portion with the distal portion and variably alter the tip ofthe distal portion according to a desired application.

To further aid in tip or distal portion attachment to the antennaassembly, various distal portions may be used to facilitate assembly anduse in a patient. As previously described, the distal tip is preferablytapered and terminates at a tip to facilitate antenna insertion intotissue with minimal resistance. Also, attaching the inner conductor tothe distal portion may be facilitated by an access channel defined inthe distal portion so that the inner conductor may be attached bywelding, soldering, etc. within the distal portion. To furtherfacilitate this assembly process, the distal tip may be formed into anarcuate or curved face terminating into a tip, as seen in FIG. 29. Asshown in the cross-sectional side view of alternate tip 510, it may havethe arcuate or curved face 512 sloping distally such that tip 514 isformed off-center from the longitudinal axis defined by the antenna towhich alternate tip 510 may be attached. Accordingly, inner conductor518 may be routed through access channel 516 and then attached by any ofthe methods described to alternate tip 510 thereby allowing tip 514 tobe sharpened as necessary and allowing an access channel 516 to bemaintained along the longitudinal axis of the antenna for ease ofassembly.

Alternate Distal Portion Attachments

As discussed above, the energy with a wavelength, λ, is transmitted downa microwave antenna and is subsequently radiated into the surroundingmedium. In operation, microwave energy having a wavelength, λ, istransmitted through the antenna assembly along both proximal and distalradiating portions. This energy is then radiated into the surroundingmedium. The length of the antenna for efficient radiation may bedependent at least on the effective wavelength, λ_(eff), which isdependent upon the dielectric properties of the medium being radiatedinto. Energy having the effective wavelength radiates and thesurrounding medium is subsequently heated. An antenna assembly throughwhich microwave energy is transmitted at a wavelength, λ, may havediffering effective wavelengths, λ_(eff), depending upon whether theenergy is radiated into, e.g., liver tissue, as opposed to, e.g., breasttissue. Also affecting the effective wavelength, λ_(eff), are coatingswhich may be disposed over the antenna assembly.

Accordingly, various distal portions having varying diameters are shownin FIGS. 30 to 32. FIG. 30, for instance, shows a representative antenna520 having a constant diameter from proximal portion 522 to distalportion 524 while covered with an optional heatshrink 526, as describedabove, for comparison purposes. FIG. 31 shows antenna 530 having distalportion 532 with a larger diameter than proximal portion 522. Heatshrink526 in this variation may be desirable to smooth the transition betweenthe different diameters. On the other hand, FIG. 32 shows antenna 540having distal portion 542 with a diameter that is smaller than that ofproximal portion 522. Having heatshrink 526 in this variation may alsobe desirable to likewise smooth the transition between the differentdiameters. Varying the diameters of the distal portion may change theradiative properties of the effective wavelength in addition to thedifferent medium types being radiated into. Accordingly, the diameter ofthe distal portion may be varied to give a desired radiative effect fordifferent tissue types. Besides the diameter of the distal portion, thethicknesses of heatshrink 526 or any of the other dielectric and sealantlayers, as described above, may also be varied accordingly in additionto the distal portion diameter. Although only two variations are shownin FIGS. 31 and 32, the distal tips may have a variety ofconfigurations; for instance, it may be stepped, ramped, tapered, etc.,depending upon the desired radiative effects.

The applications of the antenna assemblies and methods of making theassemblies discussed above are not limited to microwave antennas usedfor hyperthermic, ablation, and coagulation treatments but may includeany number of further microwave antenna applications. Modification ofthe above-described assemblies and methods for carrying out theinvention, and variations of aspects of the invention that are obviousto those of skill in the art are intended to be within the scope of theclaims.

1-26. (Cancelled).
 27. A microwave antenna assembly for applyingmicrowave energy therapy comprising: a proximal portion having an innerconductor and an outer conductor, each extending therethrough, the innerconductor disposed within the outer conductor; a distal portion disposeddistally of the proximal portion, with the inner conductor extending atleast partially therein; and a junction member having a longitudinalthickness and having at least a portion of which is disposed between theproximal and distal portions such that the inner conductor extendstherethrough, and wherein the distal portion and proximal portion applya compressive force on at least a portion of the junction member. 28.The microwave antenna assembly of claim 27 wherein the proximal portionhas a length corresponding to a distance of one-quarter wavelength ofradiation transmittable through the antenna assembly.
 29. The microwaveantenna assembly of claim 27 wherein the proximal portion is adapted toradiate along the length upon transmission of the radiation.
 30. Themicrowave antenna assembly of claim 27 wherein the junction membercomprises a dielectric material.
 31. The microwave antenna assembly ofclaim 27 wherein the junction member has a radial thickness which isuniform about a longitudinal axis as defined by the junction member. 32.The microwave antenna assembly of claim 27 wherein the junction memberhas a radial thickness which is non-uniform about a longitudinal axis asdefined by the junction member.
 33. The microwave antenna assembly ofclaim 32 wherein the junction member is stepped such that the membercomprises at least two different radial thicknesses.
 34. The microwaveantenna assembly of claim 27 wherein the distal portion has a tapereddistal end.
 35. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 27 wherein thedistal portion has an actual length defined along an outer surface ofthe distal portion such that a cumulative distance of the actual lengthand the thickness of the junction member corresponds to a distance ofone-quarter wavelength of radiation transmittable through the antennaassembly.
 36. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 27 wherein thedistal portion comprises a metal.
 37. The microwave antenna assembly ofclaim 27 wherein the inner conductor extends through the distal portion.38. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 27 wherein the distalportion defines a channel extending from the inner conductor disposedwithin the distal portion to an outer surface of the distal portion. 39.The microwave antenna assembly of claim 27 wherein the distal portion isattached to the inner conductor by a method selected from the groupconsisting of welding, brazing, soldering, and adhesives.
 40. Themicrowave antenna assembly of claim 27 wherein when the antenna is undera state of zero external stress, the inner conductor is in a state oftension and is attached to the distal portion such that the distalportion applies the compressive force against the junction member. 41.The microwave antenna assembly of claim 27 further comprising adielectric coating disposed at least partially over the antennaassembly.
 42. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 27 furthercomprising a sealant coating disposed at least partially over theantenna assembly.
 43. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 42 whereinthe sealant coating comprises a thermoplastic polymer.
 44. The microwaveantenna assembly of claim 27 further comprising a conductive layer whichis located proximally of the distal portion and is in electricalcommunication with the outer conductor.
 45. The microwave antennaassembly of claim 44 wherein the conductive layer is selected from thegroup consisting of conductive coatings, metallic foil, and metaltubing.
 46. The microwave antenna assembly of claim 44 furthercomprising a first dielectric layer disposed at least partially betweenthe conductive layer and the proximal portion.
 47. The microwave antennaassembly of claim 46 further comprising a second dielectric layerdisposed at least partially about the conductive layer.
 48. Themicrowave antenna assembly of claim 44 wherein the conductive layer isdisposed at least partially about a coaxial feedline connecting theantenna assembly to a generator.
 49. The microwave antenna assembly ofclaim 48 further comprising a dielectric layer disposed between theconductive layer and the proximal portion.
 50. The microwave antennaassembly of claim 27 wherein the distal portion has an actual lengthdefined along an outer surface of the distal portion such that theactual length corresponds to a distance of one-half wavelength ofradiation transmittable through the antenna assembly.
 51. The microwaveantenna assembly of claim 50 wherein the inner conductor is in a stateof tension and is attached to the distal portion such that the distalportion applies the compressive force against the junction member. 52-85(Cancelled)